Archive for November, 2003

Continuing the biggest product offensive in its history, Saab Automobile AB announces its latest new model and first sport utility vehicle, the 2005 Saab 9-7X. Featuring standard all-wheel-drive and two engine choices, the mid-size SUV will fill Saabâ€™s need for an entry is this rapidly growing market segment.

The Saab 9-7X will make its world debut at the 2004 New York Auto Show in April 2004, and will go on sale about one year later. Initially, the 9-7X will be produced specifically for the United States and Canadian markets.

“We are pleased to continue to expand our product line in the very important North American market,” commented Peter Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB. “With the Saab 9-X and 9-3X concept vehicles, followed by the award-winning Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch concept and the dynamic new 9-2X, we are exceeding our commitment to introduce one new vehicle or concept each year for five years.”

“The Saab 9-7X is the perfect addition to our model mix,” said Debra Kelly-Ennis, President and COO of Saab Cars USA. “It allows us to join the growing mid-luxury SUV market, one of the fastest growing segments, with a dynamic, premium vehicle.”

The new 9-7X will be built at GMâ€™s Moraine Assembly plant in Ohio, beginning in the first quarter of 2005.

Saab Cars USA, based in Norcross, GA, is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-3 and 9-5 automobiles.

Norcross, GA â€“ “What if someone you know has been very, very good?” Newsweek magazine poses this question, and suggests a holiday gift that is guaranteed to offer an undeniable affirmation: the 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible.

Each year, Newsweek publishes its Tip Sheet holiday gift guide, featuring a carefully chosen selection of “perfect” gifts for this holiday season. Only one car was highlighted as the “hottest” automotive statement for the holidays this year: the all-new Saab 9-3 Convertible.

The 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible brings a stylish, open-top dimension to the new 9-3 range. It represents the most important advance Saab has made in 20 years of designing four-seater, four-season soft tops and is poised to re-affirm the company’s leading position in the premium convertible segment.

The Newsweek gift guide is a compilation of the yearâ€™s must-have gifts in luxury, travel, gadgets, toys, food, and more. Editors researched whatâ€™s new and significant as well as stylish and fun, and presented them in a special 13-page section in the Nov. 17 issue. Newsweek prints 3.1 million copies each week, with a readership of more than 20 million.

Saab Cars USA, based in Norcross, GA, is the importer and distributor of Swedish-built Saab 9-3 and 9-5 automobiles.

October new car sales are up 82 percent versus last year.
Year-to-date sales growth is up to 26 percent over 2002.

Norcross, GA â€” October proved to be yet another month of increased sales for Saab Cars USA. New car sales tallied in at 3,349 vehicles, up 82 percent over 1,844 units last year. This brought year-to-date sales to 40,808, a 26 percent increase over 2002.

The Swedish manufacturer surpassed 40,000 units in the U.S. on Friday morning â€“ the first time Saab has reached this number in 16 years.

“The sales network is maintaining the strong momentum â€“ as we have asked them to,” said Ed Peper, Vice President of Sales for Saab Cars USA.

Saabâ€™s MVP for 2003 has been the 9-3 Sport Sedan. This all-new product went on sale in mid-October 2002. At that time, Saab executives forecast that the Sport Sedan would double the sales volume of its predecessor, the 9-3 hatchback and coupe models. And that is precisely what it has done.

“Our 9-3 Sport Sedan is the fuel behind the Saab Cars USA sales this year,” said Debra-Kelly-Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA. “The popularity of our new Sport Sedan positively affects sales of other models as well. Consumers are visiting our showrooms in higher volumes, and seeing more Saabs on the road next to them.”

The Saab Certified Pre-owned program continued its positive contribution to the overall sales performance. October sales reached 878 vehicles, a 109 percent increase over last year. Year-to-date Saab CPO sales are at 8,059 vehicles, an 89 percent improvement over 2002.

Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the importer of Saab 9-5 and 9-3 automobiles for Saab Automobile AB and is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, near Atlanta. For more information, see www.saabusa.com.